Ralph.. when you cut a hole in a skin, anywhere on the bird, you are
mandated by the inspection program / AC:43 to put a doubler around the
perimeter of the hole. That said... a patch cover not only becomes said
doubler, it's also one solid piece and ideally is stronger than the doubler
and then a filler plate.
As for these tank covers... as I've said before I sealed the buggers in
place before even placing the SR bottom tank skins to the structure! Now if
you need access to fix a leak from inside the tank.. then not much choice...
but as Jeff points out I'd, in all likelyhood, just rivet a cover/patch over
it .. once. (it would also be easier to remove again... if need be... than a
flush filler panel)
Wayne
----- Original Message -----
From: "Ralph Baker" <
rebaker@sc.rr.com>
To: <
rebel-builders@dcsol.com>
Sent: Sunday, January 22, 2012 6:55 PM
Subject: [rebel-builders] tank access ports
OK, Shannon, I don't need no stinking CAD to be lazy and woefully
inefficient! My skill set allows and encourages it alone.
That said, there are several flush patches of tank access holes that sure
do look good as opposed to surface patches. That aside, I have always
believed that a doubler provided useful strength at the cutout area.
Wayne has always sold doublers around the eyebrow windows for crack
prevention. However, work saved is most welcome.
Jeff (& Wayne), any comments on the long term integrity of surface patches
versus flush patches with doublers in both tank walls and sheet aluminum
surfaces? Thank you both for any comments.
Ralph Baker
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